Ayurvedic Strategies for Gut-Mind Wellness

Contrary to popular belief, external circumstances don't solely determine mood. Rather, mood is a complex experience influenced by neurochemistry, gut health, hormonal balance, and social/psychological factors. It's a constant reflection of how well your body, mind, and spirit are aligned with each other.

Influences on Mood

Several factors can contribute to a bad mood, including stress, poor diet, isolation and busyness. In Ayurveda, India’s traditional medical system, the connection between food, gut health, and mental well-being is of utmost importance. Your mind and gut are inseparable, with the foods you eat and the strength of your digestion directly influencing the quality of your thoughts.

While modern medicine is beginning to grasp this concept, especially regarding the impact of the gut microbiome on overall health, Ayurveda has long recognized the gut-brain connection. Referring to the gut and brain as separate entities limits our understanding of their integrated functionality. In reality, they form one functional unit.

When the gut-brain connection is disrupted, no matter what mood-boosting methods you employ, you're fighting an uphill battle with fleeting moments of balance that easily tip over.

Repairing the gut-brain unit allows you to flow naturally towards a more vibrant and uplifted mood, enabling you to walk unhindered towards brighter days.

Herbs to the Rescue

Ayurvedic herbs play a significant role in supporting both the mind and gut functions.

To address chronic mood disorders, herbs like ashwagandha, Brahmi, and shankhpushpi are used in conjunction with herbs and spices that enhance digestion, such as triphala, ginger and cumin.

• Triphala

  Triphala, a revered herb in Ayurveda, is particularly effective for the gut-mind axis. It has traditionally been used to heal the gut's mucosal lining and nerves, promoting normal peristalsis—the natural movement of the intestines.

  Instead of forcefully emptying the colon, triphala assists the colon in performing its natural function. By repairing any damage, it enables the gut to work as intended.

  Additionally, triphala gently detoxifies the gut and the entire body, preventing the accumulation of harmful substances that negatively impact mood.

• Ayurvedic Prime Tea

  In addition to incorporating these herbs into your routine, you can enhance your mood right in your kitchen.

  Prime Tea, an Ayurvedic recipe used for centuries to promote physical and mental balance, invigorates the gut, providing direct support for a healthy mind.

  Here's how to prepare it:

  1. Boil 4 to 5 cups of water in the morning.
  2. Add ¹⁄₂ tsp of whole organic cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to the hot water. Boil again for at least 10 minutes with the lid on.
  3. Strain out the seeds and pour the liquid into an insulated container.
  4. Sip the tea throughout the day, preparing a fresh batch each morning.

Ayurveda Approach is Accessible to All

While the science of mental health and the gut microbiome is still emerging, the undeniable connection between the gut and brain has been understood for thousands of years in Ayurveda.

By sharing this wisdom about healing the mind and gut, we can all immediately reap the harvest of a happier today.